Abstract: An infrasound drive system and method are disclosed. An infrasound drive system includes a control circuit for transmitting a data signal and a power signal, and one or more infrasound drive that includes an input terminal, an amplifier and a tactile transducer, in one or more infrasound drives, the amplifier receives a power signal from the power channel and a data signal from the data channel. The amplifier outputs an amplified signal to the tactile transducer. The tactile transducer generates a tactile vibration based on the data signal and the power signal. An infrasound drive can be disposed in a housing and transmit a haptic force to a user in contact with the housing. A user can limit the haptic force transmitted by the infrasound drive. The power channel and the data channel can be provided by a power over Ethernet (PoE) cable.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises at least one vibration device comprising an electroacoustic transducer, the vibration device having a mass less than or equal to 130 g.

Abstract: A thermostatic massage pad includes: a thermostatic pad, wherein a thermostatic water pipe is arranged inside the thermostatic pad; a cooling pad, wherein a cooling water pipe is arranged inside the cooling pad; a casing, wherein a thermostatic water pump and a cooling water pump are respectively arranged inside the casing, a thermostatic water tank is arranged at a top of the thermostatic water pump, a cooling water tank is arranged at a top of the cooling water pump, a water inlet end of the thermostatic water pump is connected to a water outlet of the thermostatic water tank, and a water inlet end of the cooling water pump is connected to a water outlet of the cooling water tank; a thermoelectric cooler, wherein an end surface of the thermoelectric cooler is fixedly connected to a wall surface of the thermostatic water tank.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of transmitting sound and vibrations to a user is described. The apparatus may also generate an electromagnetic field sufficient to stimulate the user's energy system. The apparatus includes a support structure configured to support at least a part of the user's body; a transducer coupled to the frame of the support structure in a manner which allows the transducer to move in relation to the frame; and an audio signal source for transmitting audio signals to the transducer. The transducer is capable of receiving and responding to audio signals having a wide range of audio frequencies when the apparatus is in use.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for treating a user by means of vibrations, comprising: a vessel for accommodating a liquid for immersing the user, provided with a first rim; a motor provided with a cam mechanically coupled to the vessel to cause vibrations of the vessel. The apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises an external casing of the vessel, provided with a second rim covering the first rim, and a fluid-tight seal interposes between the first rim and the second rim and such to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the vessel to the casing.

Abstract: A shower head with water-powered vibrating function wherein a diverting member is disposed in the water diversion chamber which is operable by a diverting member actuating means between a normal shower position and a massage shower position. At the normal shower position the diverting member diverts water flow received from the water diversion chamber inlet to leave the water diversion chamber through the first water diversion chamber outlet for exiting the shower head through a first water outlet; and at the massage shower position, the diverting member diverts water flow received from the water diversion chamber inlet to leave the water diversion chamber through the second water diversion chamber outlet for entering the turbine chamber for rotating the turbine and thereafter leaving the turbine chamber to exit the shower head through a second water outlet.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound apparatus and associated methods of use is disclosed enabling a relatively non-invasive or minimally invasive method to treat skin or tissue. The apparatus is constructed from an ultrasound tip mechanically coupled to a shaft. The shaft is mechanical coupled to an ultrasound transducer driven by an ultrasound generator. The ultrasound tip possesses at least one radial surface, a cavity, or some other form of a hollowed out area, within at least one of the radial surfaces, and a non-metallic sheath covering portions of the tip so that only the sheath and not the tip would normally contact the patient's skin. The disclosed method of treating spider, reticular or small varicose veins with the apparatus can be practiced by contacting the sheath with the patient's epidermal skin layers and delivering ultrasonic energy released from the various surfaces of the vibrating tip to the skin and/or tissue through direct contact and/or with a coupling fluid focused from a cavity.

Abstract: An ottoman holds a foot massage unit accessible through an opening in the ottoman to permit dual use of the ottoman as a footrest and foot massage without substantial repositioning.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) is disclosed for treating a user by means of vibrations, comprising: a vessel (1) for accommodating a liquid for immersing the user, provided with a first rim (4); movement means (20) mechanically coupled to the vessel (1) to cause vibrations of the vessel. The apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises an external casing (2) of the vessel (1), provided with a second rim (10) covering the first rim (4), and a fluid-tight seal (11) interposes between the first rim (4) and the second rim and such to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the vessel (1) to the casing (2).

Abstract: The present invention is a vibratory patient support system. The support system has at least one bladder, at least one vibrational device, and first and second control units that respectively control (a) the inflation and deflation of the at least one bladder and (b) vibrational device. The at least one bladder (i) inflates when receiving a fluid at a faster rate than the fluid exiting the bladder; (ii) deflates when the fluid leaves the bladder at a faster rate than the fluid entering the bladder, and (iii) has a top surface that allows a user to apply pressure thereon and a bottom surface. The vibrational device (a) is positioned (i) under the bottom surface of the bladder, or (ii) within the bladder and below the top surface of the at least one bladder so it does not contact the top surface; and (b) generates a vibrational force. The first control unit can adjust the inflation of the at least one bladder. The second control unit can adjust the vibration forces generated from the vibration device.

Abstract: An air-tight foam-filled bladder is used for varying massage intensity in a massage chair, massage mat, or other massage device. The bladder may be compressed from a default or relaxed thickness by evacuating air from the bladder. The thickness of the foam-filled bladder may be reduced to a collapsed thickness in which the foam is compressed within the bladder. In use, the foam-filled bladder is placed proximate a conventional fixed massage mechanism in a massage device, such as in the back rest of a massage chair. By controlling the amount of air evacuated from the bladder, the intensity of the massage is controlled by varying the amount of pressure exerted by the fixed massage mechanism on the user. In the case of a massage chair, the user may advantageously sit back in the chair without discomfort when the user does not want a massage, and may control the intensity of the massage provided by the chair.

Abstract: A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of sensed information may be derived from the pass of a capsule. Capsules may be subsequently passed through to treat the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length. One variation uses an electrical stimulation capsule to treat and/or diagnose a condition in the intestinal tract.

Abstract: A thigh support that consists of a resilient, e.g., a self-inflatable, part for supporting the thigh of a vehicle driver and a vibration-transmission member for transmitting vibrations to the driver's leg in order to improve blood circulation in the leg of the driver during long hours of driving. The thigh support may be of a type intended for shortening brake-activation time and combining brake-activation shortening time function with the function of improving blood circulation in the driver's leg due to transmission of vibration to the leg from the vibratory unit of the thigh support. The vibration-transmission member comprises a sealed cartridge in the form of a rubber casing filled with liquid and containing a sealed and encapsulated vibration motor that transmits vibration through the liquid.

Abstract: A method for treating medical disorders manifesting themselves in the blood, including diabetes and anemia, by exposing the sufferer to audible acoustic waves from a transducer immersed in liquid. The person is preferably placed between one and twenty feet from the wave source, and is preferably exposed to waves at a frequency of about 600 Hertz for approximately twenty five minutes. In one embodiment, the person sits in a jacuzzi-like container together with the transducer.

Abstract: A dry hydro-massage apparatus characterized by a substantially bent backwardly inclined sitting position, a generally loosely held seating sheet, and utilizes a reclining chair mechanism to facilitate for the user the process of assuming the inclined sitting position on the chair. The dry hydro-massage apparatus involves applying a jetting stream of water on the underside of the flexible seating sheet, translating to soothing and massaging stresses on the user's opposing body parts, whilst the said sheet obstructs the water from wetting the user. The seating position is raised from the floor so that the water jetting activity can be watched through see-through windows by the public.

Abstract: The present invention is a vibratory patient support system. The support system has at least one bladder, at least one vibrational device, and first and second control units that respectively control (a) the inflation and deflation of the at least one bladder and (b) vibrational device. The at least one bladder (i) inflates when receiving a fluid at a faster rate than the fluid exiting the bladder; (ii) deflates when the fluid leaves the bladder at a faster rate than the fluid entering the bladder, and (iii) has a top surface that allows a user to apply pressure thereon and a bottom surface. The vibrational device (a) is positioned (i) under the bottom surface of the bladder, or (ii) within the bladder and below the top surface of the at least one bladder so it does not contact the top surface; and (b) generates a vibrational force. The first control unit can adjust the inflation of the at least one bladder. The second control unit can adjust the vibration forces generated from the vibration device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dry hydrotherapy to a reclined human subject in a home or commercial environment. The systems include an enclosed tub with an external support frame and an internal operational frame. The enclosed tub includes a multi-layer cover upon which the human subject may recline to receive the hydrotherapy. The cover includes an open netting layer attached to a perimeter edge of the tub for supporting the weight of the user and a pliable waterproof layer positioned over the netting for containing the liquid used in the hydrotherapy while still transferring the massaging force of the liquid to the user. The liquid is directed under pressure against the underside of the cover with a moveable liquid jet source positioned on a track within the tub. A liquid circulation system cycles the liquid through the tub enclosure in the process of providing the dry hydrotherapy. A sleep system includes a selectively inflated air mattress.

Abstract: A water driven massager mounted in an opening in the wall of a spa. The massager includes a main housing secured to the wall opening and extending outwardly from the wall (i.e., away from a spa user). A gear housing is mounted in the main housing and contains a drive mechanism rotationally connecting between a turbine and a rotating massager. The drive mechanism includes two in-series planetary gear sets for reducing Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) of the rotating massager. The rotating massager includes a plurality of rotating balls held in a ball plate residing proximal to the plane of a spa surface of the wall (i.e., the spa wall surface facing the user), and is covered by a boot providing a massager surface. The ball plate rotates at between 50 and 80 RPM thereby providing a rotating massage on the surface of the boot. The gear housing is easily removed through the wall opening for service and maintenance.

Abstract: A method for treating inflammatory musculoskeletal connective tissue disorders by exposing the sufferer to acoustic waves from a transducer immersed in liquid. The person is preferably placed between one and twenty feet from the wave source, and is preferably exposed to waves at a frequency of about 600 Hertz for approximately twenty five minutes.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy system has a rigid tank filled with a liquid. At least one acoustic wave is impinged on the tank's exterior walls where it is coupled to the liquid for transmission therethrough. The acoustic wave interacts in the liquid with at least one of (i) a reflection of the acoustic wave from one of the tank's interior walls, and (ii) at least one other acoustic wave that was generated and impinged on another of the tank's exterior walls.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mattress having a fluid-based center portion encapsulated by a stablizing visco-elastic polyurethane covering adapted to prevent lateral or longitudinal movement while a patient is disposed thereon. One or more sonic speakers disposed below or coincident to the fluid-based center generate fluid sound waves. Responsive to the sound waves, the fluid oscillates. The mechanical oscillation of the fluid is translated to the visco-elastic polyurethane covering upon which the patient is disposed. The therapeutic effects of the ultrasound oscillations speed the rate of healing and enhance the quality of tissue repair. Furthermore, the stabilizing effects of the covering make the mattress stationary for surgical operations.

Abstract: A massaging device that can be used to apply a powerful massaging action to any parts of the body according to necessity. The device includes a cylindrical body of given length and diameter, an eccentric weight rotating by a driving element within the cylindrical body, a handgrip coaxially extending to the cylindrical body, and a turbine mounted between the handgrip and the cylindrical body and forming the driving elements of the eccentric weight.

Abstract: A massage device for creating a massaging action. The massage device may include at least two massaging projections mounted in relation to a flexible fluid supply conduit, such as a shower hose. The device may include a chamber for containing an impeller, and the fluid supply conduit may include an outlet for fluid to contact the impeller and cause the impeller to rotate. At least one weight is disposed in the head and is coupled to the impeller eccentric to a rotational axis of the impeller for moving the projection in an oscillatory motion, which creates the massaging action. The head may be supplied on a handle, or along the fluid supply conduit.

Abstract: A massage device for creating a massaging action using at least one oscillating device. The massage device may be formed from a handle and a head pivotably coupled to the handle. The head may include a first chamber for containing the oscillating device and a second chamber for containing an impeller for driving the oscillating device. The oscillating device may be fluid driven. The massaging device may also include one or more controls in the handle for controlling the action of the massage device.

Abstract: A hand held hydro-suction vibration bio-stimulator submerged below the surface of a liquid in the liquid filled vessel and connected to a fluid supply by means of a flexible hose to create a periodical suction force in the range of 0.5-70 N on the frequency of 10-200 Hz and high frequency vibrations in the range of 1-20 kHz to the skin of the human body both being submerged under the surface of a liquid in a liquid filled vessel due to the passing of the fluid from the fluid supply through the hydro-suction vibration bio-stimulator.

Abstract: A spinal treatment table includes a head support, a leg support, and a contoured spinal support there between defined by separate support segments of different heights. The segments are supported within a frame and connected by a scissors hinge. A first end segment is anchored to the frame, and the other segments are movable longitudinally within the frame. A linear drive is connected to a second end segment. All the segments are moved by the same amount relative to adjacent segments whenever the second end segment is moved by the linear drive to adjust the length of the spinal support for supporting spines of different lengths. A spinal manipulation device is movable within a longitudinal slot in the spinal support for evenly applying therapy to the length of the spine. The spinal manipulation device may be a reciprocating device, a roller device, or a water jet device.

Abstract: A water driven vibrating massager mounted in an opening in the wall of a spa. The massager is supported in a massager mounting frame secured in the opening in the wall of the spa. The mounting frame has a frame elastic member support portion extending inwardly from the frame. An elastic member is held by the elastic member support portion, which in turn holds a massager body. The massager body extends interiorly to a support area on the mounting frame and an inner elastic member is held between the support area on the mounting frame and a support portion on the massager body. The massager body fits within a mounting frame for a water jet and the process of the present invention includes the unscrewing of a locking ring and the removal of a water jet followed by the insertion of the massager body and the replacement of the locking ring. In this way, the massager body can be placed at any position where a spa jet is held.

Abstract: A foot therapy device including a portable housing with an annular wall having an upper edge and defining a reservoir for retaining a volume of liquid to be used during foot therapy; a lid covering a given portion of the reservoir and secured to a continuous portion of the upper edge; and a liquid seal member disposed between the lid and the given upper edge portion.

Abstract: The hydromassager employs water pressure for massage in a closed-system The general advantages of this equipment such as compactness, mobility, safety, and many others make this machine ideal for a variety of settings. Pump (2) pressures water and directs it towards contact surface (12) that is in contact with the subject's body surface. From the massaging head water returns to water reservoir (1).

Abstract: A passive-motion having a support surface provided by a plurality of bellows-like or bladder-like cells which are sequentially or independently inflatable and deflatable to alter the configuration of the support surface continuously to cause a person seated on the support surface to continuously and instinctively adjust the additude of his spinal column and associated muscles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of improved water therapy in which a person is buoyantly supported in a reclining or prone position on a top membrane of a enclosure which contains heated water, and air. A water pump recirculates the water which is drawn out of the enclosure through outlets and associated piping and which is then reintroduced into the interior of the enclosure through venturi air intake as waterjets that are mixed with air. The air enriched waterjets drive through a layer of water and impinge on the underside of the top membrane to produce massage effects on the person. The air is captured inside the enclosure in a chamber or pocket which rises above the water level within the sealed enclosure and is drawn out of the interior enclosure to the air inlet waterjet venturi for recirculation of air throughout and within the sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A percussion and vibration apparatus for use in a bed is provided. A pressurized air input port is configured to be coupled to a pressurized air supply system. A valve assembly is coupled to the pressurized air input port. A percussion and vibration bladder port is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to be coupled to at least one percussion and vibration bladder. A controller is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to be coupled to a communication network to regulate flow of pressurized air through the valve assembly from the pressurized air input port to the percussion and vibration bladder port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibratory patient support system for providing therapeutic vibrational action or forces to a patient suffering from a respiratory ailment. The vibratory patient support system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, a plurality of inflatable sacs supported upon the support frame with each sac having an upper surface so that the plurality of sacs forms a patient support surface. The inflatable sacs are pressurized and maintained at a predetermined pressure. This predetermined pressure may be a patient height and weight specific pressure profile. A vibrating component is provided separate from the apparatus for pressurizing and maintaining the air sacs at the predetermined pressure. The vibrating component vibrates at least a portion of the patient support surface at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for stimulating skin tissue of a nonambulatory individual in a wheelchair or other mobile apparatus. The pouch of the present invention contains a fluid medium which is connected to an agitator which generates turbulence and disturbances within the fluid medium. For example, a vibrator may be placed adjacent to the pouch and vibrate the fluid medium. These motions are transmitted through the fluid medium to stimulate the skin and underlying tissue which is resting on the pouch. The pouch may be connected to the support bars of a wheelchair, or have arms to extend around and attach to a chair seat in a scooter. A pocket of the pouch serves to hold the agitator in contact with the fluid, e.g., water, so that the fluid is adequately turbulated and disturbed to have a stimulating effect on the body tissue.

Abstract: A massaging device driven by a water wheel and having a plurality of fingers spread in concentric rings about an arched cover. The fingers are supported in and actuated by a rotating camming platform including a series of concentric camming surfaces with curved bases and irregularly shaped annular sidewalls. The fingers are reciprocated along their vertical axes to create a wave-like motion relative to the cover. Concurrently, the fingers are actuated to pivot about a central transverse axis defined by pin members located on opposite sides of the fingers. When driven by a water wheel, the device contains a water channel along its base, which channel extends to a water chamber containing the water wheel. The wheel is turned by water flow through the chamber thereby rotating the camming platform to which it is coupled by way of gears.

Abstract: A transducer in communication with fluid in a pad held in close contact against a sound or movement source monitors acoustic signals transferred into the fluid. The signal pattern is monitored aurally and/or compared to predetermined reference patterns, and optional control and stimulation means can be activated in response to the comparison results. The sensed acoustic signal can be transmitted to a remote receiver or processed locally. Typically, the acoustic signal is representative of the heartbeat or breathing of a living organism. The monitoring system may be applied to diverse situations including SIDS, apnea, home baby monitoring, medical transport devices, blood pressure cuffs, seats, combat casualty care and hand-held devices.

Abstract: A chair-type air massage device which is capable of providing air massage to a user's whole body in a reclined position. The air massage device includes a backrest pivotally joined with a seat. Armrests are secured to both sides of the seat. A footrest is joined to the front end of the seat and can be moved between a projected position and a retracted position. Air bags for a neck massage, air bags for a back massage and air bags for a waist massage are disposed on the backrest. Further, air bags for a buttocks massage are disposed on the seat. Air bags for a thigh massage are positioned between armrests on the seat. Air massage can be provided to a user's whole body in a reclined position by supplying and exhausting compressed air to each of the air bags to thereby expand and contract each of the air bags.

Abstract: A massage apparatus includes a flexible bladder filled with a fluid and a plurality of bladder displacement devices coupled to the flexible bladder for displacing the flexible bladder in accordance with a specified displacement plan. A signal source is coupled to the bladder displacement devices to provide the specified displacement plan. The signal source outputs first and second frequency modulated (FM) signals. The FM signals are identical in spectrum and start at zero phase, but are propagated 180.degree. out-of-phase with respect to one another. The first FM signal is fed to one half of the bladder displacement devices and the second FM signal is fed to the other half of bladder displacement devices. The FM signals are controlled in such a way that vibrational energy travels in the fluid-filled bladder for coupling to a user reclined on the bladder while ambient vibration of the apparatus is canceled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibratory patient support system for providing therapeutic vibrational action or forces to a patient suffering from a respiratory ailment. The vibratory patient support system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, a plurality of inflatable sacs supported upon the support frame with each sac having an upper surface so that the plurality of sacs forms a patient support surface. The inflatable sacs are pressurized and maintained at a predetermined pressure. This predetermined pressure may be a patient height and weight specific pressure profile. A vibrating component is provided separate from the apparatus for pressurizing and maintaining the air sacs at the predetermined pressure. The vibrating component vibrates at least a portion of the patient support surface at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A device for enhancing enjoyment of electronically reproduced music including a chair with liquid-filled bladders coupled to transducers such as electromagnetic driver assemblies responsive to audio-frequency electrical signals. A diaphragm of elastic sheet material provides support for part of the bladder and part of the transducer. Bladders and transducers are located in the seat and back of the chair, and the transducers move the liquid in the bladders, so that movement of the liquid can be felt by a user sitting in the chair. The electrical signals are preferably filtered to pass only bass frequencies to the transducers.